Thyroid Hormones

– Lets go over some of the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.

1. Synthroid
2. Levothroid

(levothyroxine) synthetic thyroxine (T4)
MOA: Increase metabolic activity of body
Uses: Drug of choice for long-term
hypothyroidism, simple goiter.

Side Effects

S/S of hyperthyroidism –
tachycardia, sweating, intolerance to heat,
diarrhea, abd. cramping, weight loss,
decreased bone density in the hip & spine.

Antithyroid Drugs

• PTU (propylthiouracil)
• Tapazole (methimazole)
• Lugol’s solution.

• interfere with synthesis of thyroid hormone and inhibits
  conversion of T4 to the more active T3.

• Lugol’s Inhibits the release of thyroid hormone, causing them to accumulate in the thyroid gland.

Side Effects:

• Hypothyroidism
• hair loss
  allergic reaction

 

HYPOTHYROIDISM

 

• Hyposecretion of the parathyroid hormone
• Hyposecretion of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4
• Decreased rate in the body’s metabolism

Can lead to myxedema coma

Myxedema Coma can be life threatening

Assessment:

• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• Hypoglycemia
• Edema

Common Drugs used for Hypothyroidism.

• Liothyronine Sodium (Cytomel)
• Liotrix (Euthroid)

 

 

Hyperthyroidism

– Hypersectretion of the hormones T3 and T4
– can lead to thyroid storm

Assessment
Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

THIS CLIENTS WILL TAKE LIFELONG THYROID REPLACEMENTS.

Common Meds (Hyperthyroidism):

 

• Levothyroxine (Levothroid): watch out for Tachycardia (side effect)
• Methimazole (Tapazole)
• Pottasium Iodine, Saturated Solution (SSKI)
• Radioactive Iodine (Sodium Iodide) 131

Surgery:
Thyroidectomy: During a thryoidectomy it is very important for the nurse to have a tracheostomy set at the bedside just in case of a respiratory emergency.

Corticosteroids

Mineralocorticoids
Example: Florinef (fludrocortisone)

• *Promote Na and water retention. Help
  maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
  Aldosterone is the main mineralocorticoid.
  Uses: Chronic adrenocortical insufficiency.

Adverse Effects:

• Hypokalemia, fluid retention

Glucocorticoids

Common Examples:

1. Decadron (dexamethasone)
2. Solu-Medrol (methylpredinisolone)
3. Prednisone, Celestone (betamethasone)
4. Aristocort (triancinolone)
5. Nasonex
6. Azmacort

*Affect CHO, protein and lipid metabolism

Antiinflammatory response protects cells from
damage related to immune response.

Glucocorticoids (Remember the Side Effects).

Side Effects:

• Edema
• hyperglycemia
  hypokalemia
• muscle wasting
• peptic ulcer
  hypertension
• immunosuppression
• increased WBC
• can masks signs of infection